NCJ Number
233664
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2011 Pages: 124-127
Date Published
January 2011
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper tested Demirjian's 8-teeth method of age estimation using 547 Indians (348 females, 199 males) aged 7-25 years.
Abstract
Demirjian's grading of tooth calcification is widely used to assess age of individuals with developing dentitions. However, its application on numerous populations has resulted in wide variations in age estimates and consequent suggestions for the method's adaptation to the local sample. Conventionally, Demirjian's method utilized seven mandibular teeth on the left side. A recent modification incorporated the third molar with a view to apply the method on a wider age-group. Moreover, the revised method developed regression formulas for assessing age. The current study found that Demirjian's formulas resulted in inferior age prediction in Indians (9.2 percent misclassification at 99 percent confidence interval vs. 0 percent misclassification in the original study); therefore, India-specific regression formulas were developed, which gave better age estimates (mean absolute error, MAE=0.87 years) than the original formulas (MAE=1.29 years). This suggests that Demirjian's 8-teeth method also needs adaptation prior to use in diverse populations. (Published Abstract) Tables and references